Vacuum heating pump



Oct. 17,l 1939. L.. a. GRUMAN k vAcUUM HEATING PUMP Filedsept. 26, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY.

Oct 17, 1939. B. GRUMAN 2,175,658

VACUUM HEATING PUMP Filed ept. 2s, 1958 1o sheets-sheet' 2 zzvwszvroze.l A QW,

ATTORNEY l.. B. GRUMAN 2,76,658

VACUUM .HEATING PUMP Y Filed Sept. 26, 1938 -10 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY oen 17, 1939.

. L.. B. GRUMAN 2,176,658-

v VACUUM HEATING PUMP Filed Sept. 26, 1938 'JNE- i' .l ,44- UI I @JIL '73 a A Y W l """IIIII Zig, Mmm

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j Ano Oli 17 1939- L. B. GRUMAN 2,176,658

VACUUM HEATING'PUMP l Filed Sept. 26, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet '7 H ,0 aw @W ww. M 0 m g/LVHH m w14 J ML M M m m av n -a a n@ W 0 ,o f m 45 m a o r y f M d e a e l IVITLM 4 Ot 17, w39; B. GRUMAN VACUUM HEATING PUMP Filed Sept. 26, 1938 ,10 Sheets-Sheet 9 (5 5'/ 'INVENTOIL uw @2L Bauma/w,

s ATTORNEY 0X@ E?, E939e I l.. B. GRUMAN 2,!7665@ VACUUM` HEATING PUMP Filed Sept. 26, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheetl 10 y i in lulnl 1 2 i f4 A A M "i/,g ff

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Patented Oct. 17, 1.939.

VACUUM HEATING Pm Lloyd HG1-aman, Shippensbnrg, Pa.,

Domestic Engine & Pump Company.

assigner to Shipliensburg, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application September 26, 1938, Serial No. 231,845

12 My invention relates broadly to vacuum pumps,

and more particularly to -a construction of vacuum pump adapted for use in a vacuum heating lsystem. 1

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an improved construction of suction means for exhausting condensible and non-condensible gases from the heating system whereby circulation of steam through. the heating system is assured, this suction means being disposed in juxtaposition with the system. A Another object of my invention is to provide an improved and simplified method and apparatus for exhausting fluids from a vacuumheating system and returning condensate to the boiler.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of vacuum heating pump in which there is no lift pipe orcheck valve therein.

'A further object of my invention isto provide an improved construction of receiver for the storage of condensate returns and using this condensate to supply hurling water to the vacuum heating pump.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of automatic iloat controlled mechanism in a receiver to effectively regulate the vacuum heating pump with respect to the changes in the vacuum heating system.

Another object of my invention is toprovlde an improved electric control system for the motor of a vacuum heating pump in a vacuum heating system.

Still another object of my invention is to provide improved means for adjusting pressure differences between the vacuum heating system and the vacuum pump so as to assure ilow of condensate returns from the system to the receiver by gravity.

A further object of my invention is to provide a novel construction of ejector nozzle for estab: lishing suction pressure in a vacuum heating system ,for effecting return of vapor and condensate to the receiver.

A still furtherobject of my invention is to provide an improved construction of receiver for vapor and condensate in a vacuum heating system in which the vapor and condensate mixture is discharged into a coniined bafiled ,area within the receiver in a manner which prevents the vaporf and condensate mixture from surging and excessively agitating the condensate already in the receiver and `also separates the vapor from the'. condensate mixture.

Another object of my invention is to provide a, construction of receiver for a vacuum heating pump which constitutes supporting means for the other parts of the pump and control mechanism and in which there is no accumulator base required.

A still further object of my invention is to position;

(ci. loa-fo) provide an improved construction oi' receiver for a. vacuum heating pump which operates under atmospheric pressure while the pump is exhaust-` ing the vapor and condensate mixture from the system under vacuum and in which the vacuum is reflected back to the receiver after the pump is brought to rest.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent during the course of the following specication;

In the accompanying drawings, forming a. part of this specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is an end elevation of a vacuum heat- 'ing pump constructed in accordance with my'invention; Fig. 2 is a front .elevation with'parts broken away and in section; Fig. 3 is a plan view thereof with parts broken away and in section; Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse section taken on line l-I ot Fig. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 5 -is a transverse vertical section taken on line 5'5 oi'. Fig. 3' and looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the tank float switch showing the iloat ball in a substantially horizontal position, ready to actuate the tank iloat switch; Fig. 7 is a horizontal section taken on line 1--1 of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a horizontal `section taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 2'; Fig. 9 is a central, vertical, longitudinal section of the lower part of the driving motor showing more particularly the rotary pump impeller and associated ducts; Fig. 10 'is a horizontal sectionon line Il--IO of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a horizontal section taken on line Il-II of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is afragmentary vertical section taken on line l2-I2 of Fig. 2 showing the iloat in lowermost position; Fig. 13 is a similar view to Fig. 12, but showing the iioat ball in its uppermost Fig. 14 is a transverse vertical section taken on line i'I-Il of Fig. 12 and looking in the direction ofthe arrows; Fig. 15 is a transverse vertical section taken on line I5-I5 of Fig. 13 and looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 161s a horizontal sectional view on line IS-IS of Fig. 13; Fig. 17 is a horizontal section takenv on line l'I--'l|of.Fi`g. 13: Fig. 18 isa detail front elevation of the overflow valve, rocker and rocker arm; Fig. 19 "is a transverse vertical section taken online l-llvofvFlg 18; Fig; 20 is a side elevation` partly in section showing the ,discs of the 'valve shown in Fig. 18 and their coacting spring in juxtaposition; Fig. 21 is a detail sectional view showing more particularly the Venturi tube'associated with the'discharge nozzle; Fig. 22 is a transverse vertical section taken on sov linen- 22 of Fig. 21.-; Fig. 23 is a detail section the receiver. y The gases are vented 'from the re ceiver and as water accumulates in the receiver beyond a predetermined level, the excess water is forced by the pump to the boiler of the vacuum heating system.

The construction of my invention `does not include a lift pipe or a check valve therein at any point in the suction line of thevacuum pump. The vacuum which is established is effective to draw steam through the vacuum heating system without interposing a check valve in the path Aof the circulating medium. The system of my in- Vention will operate under any'conditions whereas prior systems require a check valve in the suction line of the vacuum pump. A

One of the principal features of my invention is the fact that the vacuum created in the'heating'system is reflected back into the receiver in its entirety at the closing down of the unit. T'he unit during its idleness is always under the Heating system conditions, thatl is, from the prede-` termined vacuum settings which are usually from three to eight inches of mercury.

`'I'he condensatefrom the vacuum heating system is. allowed at all times and under any preveiling vacuum to return to the receiver by gravity providing the returns are above the unit.' A

vacuum switch is provided which maintains a predetermined degree. of vacuum throughout the 'heating system. at all times. A iloat switch controlled by the level of the condensate in the re- 'ceiver is provided, the -1loat switch being independent of the vacuum switch in operation, and operating an, electrically controlled discharge valve in the discharge line of the pump whereby. the accumulated water in the receiver is returned to the boiler.

Itis impossible to lose the hurling water under. sub-normal conditions that may prevail in the system, such as sub-atmospheric conditions which are caused by the banking of iire' in a boiler, which in turn creates a high vacuum in the boiler which reects back to the pump discharge line through the discharge line'and would siphon the entire hurling water from the unit were it not for the fact that I have balanced thevacuum in the receiver and the system return line and turther vby the fact that the electrically controlled discharge valve remains closed functioning only when high water level is reached in the receiver. In other words the hurling water is not lost under any conditions except by natural vaporization. 'I'he arrangement of my invention may operate -under either atmospheric or vacuum conditions `and the hurling water is not lost. The vacuum heating system is operative with pressure. either above or below atmospheric pressure on the boiler as well as varying degrees ot vacuum on the system.

The location ofthe nozzle in a orizontal position above the water level in th receiver also provides a novel arrangement inthe construc` tion of my invention. When the system returns areabove the inlet of the vacuum pump the 2,176,658 float switch; the solenoid actuated vaive and aslatter is not called upon to do any work for the purpose of lifting the condensate returns within the receiver and therefore d'oes not sacriiice any degree of vacuum for purposes of lifting the fluid as is the case in prior systems.

The pump is capable of discharging a portion of the water from thejreceiver to the boiler simultaneously with the discharging of the Waterfrom the nozzle to the ejector forcreating a vacuum and assuring recirculation in the vacuum heating system.

/Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character I designates the receiver of thevacuum heating'pump. The receiver actually provides. the supporting means for other parts oi the pump and there is no accumulator base required. Suitable securing bolts 2 allow the receiver to be anchored to a cement base or other form of support. The receiver I contains a baille member l which prevents excessive surging or agitation within the receiver upon the condensate Within the receiver and separates the vapo from the mixture returning from the heating system.

The baille 3 of receiver I divides the receiver 'into two compartments I2 and I2a., .The bailie` 3 provided with an opening 3a which extends slightly below the normal water level in the receiving tank as shown in Fig. 2. ThisV provides closed by a. cover l5, the cover being secured in place by top bolts 18. j

'I'he numeral 9 designates an ejector body which 4 is substantially tubular in shape, having an outl wardly extending flange 9a for rigidly securing the same to the side oi'- the receiving tank I The tube 9 is carried inside the tank I and extends fI I directed into open compartment I2. 'Ihe mixture of condensate and vapor is directed under` pressure against the interior side wall. I4 of the compartment I2. The reaction or splashingof the vapor and water upon the mixture in the compartment l2cis prevented by the projecting baille 3, which prevents excessive agitation ofthe condensate already in the compartment lI2a.

. 'I'he numeral 5 designates a casing adapted to house the suction chamber 11, and the passages 4 and `$2 leading thereto. The casing 5 extends horizontally from the side wall ofthe receiving tank I and is disposed thereon so that opening 'Ia registers with the opening in the tubular ejector body l. Ejector nozzle 6 is mounted interiorly of the casing 5 in horizontal alignment with ejector tall piece 'I'. Nozzle 6 has its end 18y open to'receive the hurling water from the pump and its other end ioraminated as at 6a for discharging the hurling water under pressure through the ejector tail piece 'I which is axially aligned but spaced apart from the nozzle 8. The ejector tail piece l is carried by theejector body 9 and projects into the casing i through the opening 1a.' The ejector tail 4piece 'l is substantially in the shape of' a Venturi tube as indicated at 8 4for receiving the discharge from the nozzle 8. The intermediate portion ,la of Venturi tube I is oi' smaller diameter than the opposite ends.v The end 'Il of Venturi -tube 8 is flared outwardly to decrease the velocity of the stream before it is discharged into the ejector body l. The action oi' the ejector ls to produce a suction in the pipe 7i 4 which serves as a return from the vacuum heating system and communicates with the casing 5 at the opening 4 a at substantially right angles to the axes of the nozzle 6 and ejector 1. The suction thus produced draws intothe ejector body 9 of vthe vaporl condensate, air and mixtures thereof from the vacuum heating system.

` The condensate is collected in receiver I and operates upon the float ball I5 which is connected through arm I6, journaled at I1 to supporting member 81 and connected through a -bellows I8 to the actuating member I9 of a suitable v iioat switch contained within housing 20.

. mal to the side wall thereof.

The numeral 80 designates a flange which is preferably integrally cast with the side wall of the compartment I2a of receiver I. The flange 80 is cored *out at 8| forming the opening through which bellows I8 extends. Flange 80 contains a plurality o f screw threaded openings 82 for receiving. the screws 84'which hold plate 83 in position over the opening 8|. The'pla'te 83 has a centrally locatedl slot 85 through which the end 86 ofthe bellows I8 projects and which forms a watertight joint therewith. Flange 80 provides means for mounting supporting member 81 here-I tofore described; through the opening 8|. Member 81 projects into. receiver I substantially nor- Parallel strips 88 and 89 are carried near the end of the supporting member 81 and serve to hold the adjusting srews'90 and 9| which limit the movement of the ball I5.by abutment with the end I6a of the arm-.|6.

When the float switch is closed by the rise of the condensate vin receiver I, a circuit iscompleted tothe driving motor 2| and electrically controlled valve 22 in association with the starter indicated at 23 as `shown more clearly in Fig. 24.

The motor 2| drives impeller 24 in pump 25 havingvsuction intake connection 26 and pump discharge connection 21 which register with the suction and discharge ports 28 and 29 respectively in one side of receiver I. The pump 25 is securing fastened to the receiver I by means of the tap bolts 95. The rotary impeller is keyed as indicated at' 90 onthe inwardly projecting end portion of the motor shaft 9|. This impeller is formed internally with a circular series of substantially radially. extending passages' 92 separated by-webs 93. It will be noted that these webs curve rearwardly somewhat away from the direction of rotation of the impeller. Surrounding the rotary-impeller is an annular passage which communicates with the discharge passage 21. The suction port 28. leads directly into the recever-I, andthe'hurling water, flowing through the passage 26 passes around hub 94 of the rotary impeller 24 which guides the stream to divert and disperse the hurling water into the several passages 92. Centrifugal force imparted by the driven` rotary impeller 24` imparts high v velocity to the hurling water from the periphery of the impeller 24 and directs the hurling water into the discharge channel 21 and through the discharge port 29 in the side of the receiver I. The discharge port 29 communicates witha tubular conduit 30 cored directly into the wall of recever I, which extends inwardly from said wallv and leading upwardly at an angle adjacent thereto. Conduit 30 discharges at .3l-both into the passage 32 in thev casing 5 leading to the ejector nozzle 6, and into'the discharge line 33, controlled by valve means 34 .of the electrically controlled valve 22, to the discharge line 35 leadin to the boiler.

The water which is forced through passage 32 is discharged under pressure through the apertures in the foraminated end 6a in the head of the nozzle 6 into ejector tail piece 1, establishing the vacuum hereinbefore described. A clean-out plug 36 is provided in casting 5 in alignment with nozzle 6 and ejector tail piece 1.

Communicating with the passage 32 at thewith a screw threaded opening 99 in its rearward end for receiving the auxiliary pipe 31, the forward end having an annular groove |00 at its periphery forming a seat for the bellows 39. The forward end of the casting 91 is,closed except for the passage |02 which forms a valve seat 4I at its junction with the air relief chamber |0I. The forward end of the passage I0| is adapted to receive the pipe 42 which connects at its other end with the receiver I at the point 43. The bellows 39 contained within the air relief chamber |0I has its rearward end seated in the annular groove |00 ofthe member 98. Arranged at the forward end of the bellows 39 is valve 40 which remains seated on valve seat 4I as long as hurling water is being forced through passage 32 by pump 25, thereby preventing breaking down of vacuuml valve 40 with respect to valve seat 4I, permitting air from the receiver I to return to the inlet 4 via the short pipe 46 which connects with the under side of the casting 91 at |03 and has its other end communicating with the inlet pipe 4 thus assuring equal pressure throughout the system.

Arranged above'the casting 91 .is a vacuum and pressure gauge 44 connected thereto at 45. The gauge 44 is operatively connected tothe intake pipe 4 through chamber -I0I and connecting pipe 46. l f

In orde'r to predetermine the limits of operation of the vacuum heating system, a vacuum switch is provided as indicated at 41 in Fig. l which may `be set to operate over a range, for example, o f from 3 to 8 inches of mercury. The vacuum switch 41 is controlled bya diaphri gm actuator indicated at 48. lOne side of the diaphragm 48.

is exposed to the suction inlet in the return from the system at 4 through the connectionv 49. Diaphragm 48 is therefore displaced in proportion to the vacuum in the system, and in order to prevent an excessive vacuum in the system a safety valve or vacuum breaker is provided as indicated at 50 connected with the intake passage of suction pipe 4.

Using the arbitrary inches of mercury as an example, it may be assumed that the vacuum within the system falls below the minimum point. As indicated in Fig. 24 the valve pusher 48 of vacuumswitch- 41 closesv the contacts |05 and |06, and energizes the relay Ra which actuates the starter switch |01, thus closing contacts a-h, b-g, c-f, and df-e. Switch |01 is preferably mounted within a housing 23 supported above the motor 2| as shown in Figs. l and 3. Overload relays R1 and figures ,of three to eight R: control contacts |08 and |49 in circuit with n the relay Ra. Even though the iloat switch 2l is valve seats provlded'at each of the passages-68 in still open, the vacuum switch 41 will start and maintain the motor 2| inloperation until sunlcient vacuum is attained.

One pair of contacts in the float switch is wired in parallel with the vacuum switch circuit.' for separately controlling the relay Ra through contacts |08' and |08 for energizing the motor 2| through switch |01. The electrically controlled valve operating winding 22 is wired in series with contacts b, g, of the starter switch |01. and with another pair of contacts in the float switch and therefore is not alected by the vacuum switch 41. If the level of the condensate in receiver should get too high the float switch 2l would cut into the circuit. Venergizing the electrically" controlled-valve operating winding 22"-which in turn operates the valve 34 increasing the flow of water to the boiler and lowering the condensate in the receiver until the iloatswitch 28 is lowered to a position permitting it to break the contact and thus deenergize the electrically controlled valve operating winding 22, closing the valve 34. vThe valve 24 is never opened while motor 2| and pump 25 remain at rest, as the iloat switch 20 will operate to energize the motor at the same time valve 22 is energized, if the motor'is not already energized under control of vacuum switch 41.

The receiver is provided with a gauge glass 5| interconnected at 52 and 53 with diilercnt levels in the receiver for indicating the condensate level within the receiver I. A thermometer may be mounted in any convenient position in the receiver-I below the normalcondensate level or within the passage 32 in a` convenient location through plug 38 in alignment with' nozzle 6.

In order to insure against flooding of the receiver a safety float valve. indicated atV 54 is provided, locatedin a position adjacent the' top of the receiver as shown more particularly in Figs. 12-20.

The receiver contains an opening ||5 in its top which is covered bythe valve body .58, th'e Vvalve body being securely fastened thereto by means ofsuitable screws The valve body' 58 includes a vapor discharge chamber H2, arranged above the top of the receiver I, leadingto the atmosphere through the openin ||2a. Valve body 58 also includes hollow b urcated depending portion 5 1 which ex tends downwardly through the-opening ||l into the receiver Each of the depending portions communicates with the receiver by means of openings 66 contained in their inner sides H8.

Theopenings 85 both connect with the vapor disdisc valve 88 located on the tubular valve seat. 81."

The oat54 is connected through rocker'arm 55 to rocker 5| which is journaled at -58 between the bifurcated depending portion 51 of the valve body 58. VThe rocker 8| is angularly movable between the dependingportion 5 1 and is provided with limiting stops 58 and 80. l

Member 8| carries discs 84 whichV are spring pressedby means of spring v55 as shown in Figs.

15, 16 and 20, Vto bear outwardly against the the bifurcated portion of the valve body 58.` In Figs. 18 and. 16 the passages 66 ,are illustrated as closed by the discs 64 which is the condition when the receiver becomes flooded, and wherein limiting stop i0 bears against depending portion 51 of the valve body 58.l When, however, the receiver is functioning in a normal manner, float 54 is dropped into lowermostposition vand limiting stops 58 contact with the side of depending portion 51 of valve body 58. In this position, discs uncover the ports 55 and there is adirect passage from thetinterior of receiver through the depending portion 51Y of valve body 58,

through the tubular valve'seat 61 and beneath .the discvalve 58 tothe atmosphere through opening H211. It is very important that ex. tremely light pressure be applied against i disc valve 58.' Excessive pressure on disc valve 68 'will immediately reilect upon the efliciency of motor 2| actuated by an automatic starter 23 inlet-'to the impeller 24, and is discharged by the impeller into channel 30 castintegral with the receiver and through the communicating passage to nozzle 5. The high velocity water jet passing through the ejector gap creates a vacuum in passage 4 leading to the systein from which vapors and condensate are drawn. The mixture is compressed in .the ejector throat and discharged through ejector tube 8 into air separating chamber |2a, and the vapor and air are vented to atmosphere through the iloat operated air valve shown in Fig. l2 while condensate accumulates in storage'cham'ber I2 and |2a.

During the process of creating a vacuum on the system, and also when the pump is at rest and returns are above the pump inlet, condensate accumulates in chamber I2 and |2a, ultimately reaching `a level at which iloat I5 actuates oat switch 28, thus completing the electrical circuit and simultaneously opening the electric discharge f control valve 84 permitting the accumulated condensate to be discharged through a suitable check valve (not shown) into the boiler. W'hen the unit is on vacuum or continuous service both control valve 34 and the float switch Mare operable with starter 23. f

summarizing. with vacuunr switch 41 closed and motor 2| driving the pump 25, a vacuum is established in' the suction chamber 11 which draws the gases and condensate from the vacuum heating system through the return or inlet duct 4. 'I'he hurling water, circulated by pump 25, carries the gases 'and condensate from the heating system into the receiver so that the level of water in receiver gradually rises and bears iloat` |5 upward. At a predetermined water level, iloat switch 28 is actuated and operates to open valve I4 which passes a portion of the water from pump to the boiler, thus lowering the level of water in the receiver until float switch 20 is opened.

Underthese operating conditions, where motor 2| is running, relief valve 40 is seated so that the pressures in the suction chamber 11 and the 75 open, the level of water in thel receiver tends to receiver I are different. When an adequate vacuum has been established, however, and motor 2| is disconnected by operation of vacuum switch 4'I, valve 40 opens and the pressures in the pump 25 is idle, thus assuring free iiow of condensate from the system through the ejector throat into the receiver. During the operation of the pump 25 the valve remains closed as the discharge pressure acts upon the bellows 39, and the vapor and air extricated from the system are thus discharged through combined vacuum' and air relief valve 68.

Non-condensable gases are vented to the atmosphere through valve 68 so long'as the level of water in the receiver is maintained within the limits determined by operation of oat switch 20.- Under conditions of an excess of condensate accumulating in the receiver I, even with valve 34 rise above the-desired level. In such instances, float 54 is borne upward and operates to close the ports 66 and thereby trap the non-condensable gases in the receiver. A back pressure, therefore, is built up in the receiver which reduces the effective operation of pump 25 to maintain the same degree of vacuum, and at the same time increases the output of water to the boiler through valve 34 by reason of the increased "pressure in the receiver. The excess water is thus delivered to the boiler and the, water level in4 the receiver again fails to within the limits of control by float switch 20, valve 34 remaining open until the circuits'through switch 20 ar opened.

The primary purpose of the valve shown in Fig. 12, therefore, is yto eliminate spillingvof condensate through the air discharge port Il2a, and also to prevent air inleakage when the receiver goes under vacuum.' The valve body 58 may be of cast brass, and the air discharge valve 68, valve seat 61, and float. arm 6I of bronze. -'I'he iioat 54 may be of copper, while'float'valve discs 64 and spring 65 may be of stainless steel. The

spilling aforementioned is the result' of any of Ythe following conditions: Y

1. Pump 25 may not be operating.

2. Discharge pressure may be greater thanpres-` sure for which the pump is designed, which may be due to:

(a) Discharge line too small (increased friction head).

(b) Discharge line too long (increased friction head).

(c) Static head greater than originally figured. (d) Boiler pressure greater than originally figured.

peller 24. and as long as the valve ports 66 remain closed, the pump 25 4discharges against the greater pressure. y

In th`e event the load on motor 2| ever becomes too great for safety, from various causes, the overload release relays R1 and Rz operate to disconnect the motor by deenergizing relay R3, whereupon valve 40 opens and pressures in chamber 'I1 and receiver vI are equalized preparatory to resumption of the cycle of operation. Valve 34 is closed simultaneously with disconnection of the motor. Motor 2l is again energized by restoration of the relay circuits, and the apparatus resumes normal operation with the float control members I5 and 54 effective with their respective normal ranges of voperation.-

The apparatus of my invention has been found highly practical in its construction and operation. It will be observedv that all of the equipment is mounted upon the receiver as a support and that there is no accumulator base required. This arrangement provides a highly compact assembly and greatly 'simplifies installation. vThe number of parts of the vacuum heating pump have been maintained at a minimum so that re placement of parts and maintenance 'expensevis greatly reduced.

In the specification and claims where I have referredto hurling water, I refer tothe quanf tity of water of predetermined depth in the receiver I limited by the operation of ball iioat I5. By condensate returns I mean the accumulated water in the heating system delivered to 'ref l ceiver I by gravity or vacuum. The term air and vapor" as used herein, refers to the gases,

and described .is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may `be resorted to, without departing from the spirit-l of my invention lor the scope of the appended claims. v l

What I claim as new and desire`to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows: -1. In a vacuum heating pump unit, the combination of a, pump, driving means for said pump,

a receiver having space for hurlingwater and storage space for condensate, inlet and outlet means for said receiver, an ejector nozzle system operative for creating a vacuum in said inlet means, a connection between said pump and sa'i'cl nozzle system for forcing a suitable liquid through said ejector nozzle system, said outlet means comprising a branch from said connection, an open conduit for carrying liquid from the receiver. to the suction inlet of the pump, means for carrying the liquid and vapor and 'condensate mixture Y drawn by the vacuum through said inlet means from the ejector' nozzle system to the receiver, and a valved pipe means connecting said receiver and said inlet means for automatically equalizing the pressures thereinwhen` said pump is idle.

2. In a vacuum heating pump unit, the combination of a pump, drive means for said pump, a receiver having a fluid outlet connectionfrom said receiver tothe inletA of said pump, space for hurling water and storage, a vertically disposed bafe member havin'g'an opening near its top which serves to dividethe receiver into a right and a left chamber, a iiuid ventrance/conduit enand vapplication of my invention herein shown' eov tering the left chamber or said receiver, extending adjacent the ltop thereof and through the opening in 'the baille member and discharging in to said right chamber of said receiver, said conduit having an` inlet for vapor and condensato return mixture, said pump having an outlet arranged to direct condensate from said receiver through said iluid entrance conduit for drawing said return mixture into said receiver, a discharge conduit i'or iiuid connected with the outlet of said pump, and a linquid level control means arranged interiorly of said receiver and electrical connections controlled thereby i'or controlling said drive 'means and thepass'age of fluid in said discharge conduit for said level'substantially constant.

3. In a vacuum heating pump unit, ythe combination of a pump, drive means for the pump, a

liquid receiver connected with said. pump and having space for hurling water andhstora'ge' space for condensate, said receiver having inlet and outlet `means, means including said pump operative to -eiect a vacuum in said inlet means, and a combined vacuum and air relier valve in said receiver,` comprising al casing member externally of said receiver having'exit means tothe atmosphere and a depending portion which extends into the receivensaid depending portion being hollow and having vports opening into the-receiver and communicating `at their other'end with the casing member external to the receiver, a valve means for controlling communication therebetween, a iioat, a rod pivotally connected to the depending yportion vand carrying the'fi'oat on its otherend,

' means for rendering'eiective the' established between the foraminated head of said nozzle and said Venturi tube for delivering vapor and condensate from said input means through said ejector tube to said receiver, a partition member in said receiver dividing the receiver into a ypair oi' compartments, said ejector-'tube being supported by said receiver and projected into the receiver adjacent the topthereof, and extending over one oi' the compartments in 'said receiver and terminating r in the other of the -compartments in said receiver I'for delivering vaporaiid condensate to one of the compartments in said receiven 5. In a vacuum heating pump unit, in coni-v bination with a receiver, a housing disposed adjacent one side of said receiver and providing an inlet chamber for condensate'and vapor, a nozzie supported in one wall of saidhous'ing, aventuri tube supported in the oppositenn of mal housing in'allgnmentwith said nozzleand projecting into said receiver, meansincluding said ingvapor and condensate delivered to the inlet chamber i'or'discharge into said receiver.

throated depending support carried by the upper portion of said receiver, valve seats formed on opposite sides of the bifurcated support and connected with passages extending through said bifurcated support to a valved vent Vleading to the atmosphere, apivotally mounted lever member, a valve carried by said lever member and coacting with the valve seats on said bifurcated support, and a float connected with said lever member for opening or closing said valve with'respect 7. Ima vacuum heating pump unit, the combination oi a pump, drive means for said pump, a receiver having space for hurling water and storage space for condensate, a vacuum heating system return pipe connected with said receiver, a vacuum producing device supported with respect to said receiver and including a collecting chamber for receiving vapor and condensate from the vacuum heating system return pipe, a--nozzle extending into one side of said collecting chamber, a Venturi tube extending intothe other` side of said collecting chamber in spaced relation to and in alignment with said nozzle, the opposite end of said Venturi tube extending into said receiver, a

' tubular nozzle connected with said Venturi tube 'and extending transversely of said receiver for discharging vapor and condensate adjacent one wall thereof,and a boiler feed pipe having a connection with said pump, 'said pump being supported by said receiver and operative to torce duid from said receiver into two branched paths, one of said paths leading to said ilrst mentioned nonle and the other path leading to said boiler feed line.

` 8. In avacuum heating pump unit, the com- 1 bination oi a pump, drive means for said pump, a receiver having space for hurling water and storage space for condensate, said receiver being connected with said pump, outlet means for said i receiver connected with said pump, a vacuum producing device mounted adjacent said receiver,

jsaid vacuum producing device including acharne ber for receiving `vapor and condensate, a iluid discharge nozzle mounted in one'wall of said chamber and connected with said pump, a Venturi tube mounted in the oppositeA wall of said chamber and extending into the upper portion oi' said receiver, said Venturi tubebeing disposed in alignment with said discharge nozzle and terminating in spaced relation with respect theretofor providing a gap within said chamber i'or entraining vapor and condensate from said chamber and delivering the same to said receiver when 'iiuid 9. In a vacuum heating pump unit, a receiver, Y

an air vent valve in said receiver comprising a' casing member'carried externally ofsaid receiver vhaving discharge means to the atmosphere and a depending portion which extends into the re-v 6ceiver, said depending portion being hollow and having ports opening into the receiver and communicating at their other end with the casing member external to the receiver, a valve means for controlling lcommunication therebetween, a float, a rod pivotally connected to the depending portion and carrying the float on its other end, and means operable by said oat for closing the ports contained by usaid depending portion.

10. In a vacuum heating pump unit, a receiver, inlet and discharge connections for said receiver, a bifurcated depending support carried by the upper portion of said receiver, valve seats formed on opposite sides of the bifurcated support and connected with passages extending through said bifurcated support to a vent leading to the atmosphere, a pivotally. mounted lever member, a valve carried by said lever member and coacting with the Valve seats on said bifurcated support, and a oat connected with said lever member for opening or closing said valve with respect to the valve seats according to the level o fluid in said receiver.

l1. in a vacuum heating pump unit, a boiler feed pipe, a receiver, a vacuum heating system return 'pipe connected with said receiver, said receiver having a .connection to said. boiler feed Y pipe, a suction generator supported with respect to said receiver and including a collecting chamber for receiving vapor and condensate from the vacuum heating system return pipe, a nozzle extending into one side of said collecting chamber, a Venturi tube extending into the other side of said collecting chamber in spaced relation to and in alignment with said nozzle, the opposite end of said Venturi tube extending into said receiver, a tubular nozzle connected with said `Fantini tube and extending transversely of said Y 7 receiver for discharging vapor and condensate adjacent one wall thereof, and a pump supported by vsaid receiver and operative to force fluid from said receiver into two branched paths, one of said paths leading to said ilrst mentioned nozzle and the other. of said paths leading to the boiler feed pipe. v

12. A vacuum heating pump unit including a receiver chamber, suction intake and pressure output ports connected with said receiver chamber, pump means for producing suction at said intake port and pressure at said output port, pressureY equalizing valve means rbetween said suction intake port and said receiver chamber controlled by the pressure in the aforesaid means, valve means in said output port controlled by the y delivering vapor and condensate mixture to said receiver chamber, said output valve means being opened for delivering excesswater through said output port as the level of Water in said receiver chamber rises with the addition of said condenllevel of water in said receiver chamber, vent sate thereto, said vapor being passed through said vent means, and said cut-oil? valve means being operated upon continued rise of the level of water in said receiver chamber for closing said vent means and producing la. pressure condition in said receiver effective to increase the net discharge of water through said output port for restoring the normal level of water in said receiver.

morn B. cirunnurl 

